22 August- Raygun Inspired Us to Pop, Lock, and Drop Into Your Feed.
Hey,
At UNSW Founders, we’re always moving fast and breaking new ground. From first-time founders to seasoned entrepreneurs, our programs are tailored to empower every stage of the journey. Whether you’re building a world-changing idea or looking to refine your skills, we’ve got the tools, support, and community to guide you forward.
Get ready to pop, lock, and drop into the latest! The Peter Farrell Cup Finals: The 24th competition is heating up, with +$20K on the line! Grab your tickets for the ultimate showdown on September 10.
Celebrating portfolio wins: From funding successes to major tech innovations, our startups are making waves.
Don’t miss out on the New Wave Program and Terrible Ideas Hackathon: These events are perfect for flexing your creativity—applications closing soon!
First Thursdays with Michael Withford: Join us as the co-founder of Modular Photonics shares his journey in micro-photonics and optical fiber innovation. Get ready to learn from an industry leader!
Angels in Health: Connect with health tech startups and investors at this exciting networking event on August 30. Be part of the future of healthcare innovation.
From MCIC to Liverpool, we’ve got a lineup of workshops and events to help you boost your skills and connect with like-minded innovators. Don’t miss out!
Keep calm and startup on! ???
UNSW Founders
LATEST & GREATEST >>
Rare opportunity to join the UNSW Founders team!?
Our community has grown so much that we’re looking for a full-time Community Manager to keep up with its energy and growth.
This year alone, we’ve welcomed over 8,000 people through our doors and directly supported over 150 startups. If you're passionate about entrepreneurship and have a knack for creating exceptional community experiences, this could be the role for you!
??? Applications close: 01 September 2024.
Interested? Learn more and apply here
?? Celebrating Innovation and Community at Pitch Night in Southwest Sydney! Our recent Pitch Night brought together local entrepreneurs, judges, and over 150 attendees to showcase the region’s innovative spirit. Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor of UNSW, was among the judges who witnessed incredible pitches.
The prizes of the night were awarded to:
?? 1st Place: My Special Needs Dental Home, founded by Zanab Malik ?- personalised dental care app for people with disabilities. ?? 2nd Place & People's Choice Award: Communication Spectrum, founded by Jessica Xi and Jennifer Winstone - Australia’s first visual support app for people with communication disabilities and autism. ?? 3rd Place: Flexi-Prompt System, founded by Brendan Worne - a smart environment designed to support cognitive function.
It was an inspiring night! Read more about the event and the brilliant winners here!
?? Standing Room Only!
Mina Radhakrishnan’s First Thursdays session with David Burt was an incredible success! David shared some fantastic highlights from the event, including Mina’s insights on embracing uncertainty, the power of practical experience, and the importance of trust in founding a company.
Curious to learn more? Check out David’s full recap on LinkedIn for all the key takeaways and join the conversation: Read here.
?? Getting ready for a big presentation?
?We’ve shared some top tips from Program Manager Bryony Tottey to help you crush your next presentation on our Instagram (@unswfounders). Head over to our page and swipe through the full post. ?
As a bonus, If you’re a UNSW student, researcher, staff, alumna, or a non UNSW affiliated Liverpool resident, you can also boost your skills through the New Wave Program, a 4-week virtual course designed to empower women in entrepreneurship ??. ?Applications are open until 2 September - learn more here!
PORTFOLIO NEWS >>
Givvable has been featured in Women’s Agenda for its AI-powered platform that supports sustainable business practices on a global scale. In the interview with co-founder Naomi Vowels, she shares how Givvable is transforming the way companies operate responsibly. Read more here.
Decarice, a hybrid hydrogen startup from UNSW, has secured backing from Investible to help transform diesel fuel technology. This investment accelerates their mission to revolutionise the energy sector. Read more here.
Cauldron Ferm has raised $4.3 million in its first funding round from the federal government, fuelling its ambition to innovate through fermentation technology in the food production industry. Learn more here.
?APPLICATIONS OPEN >>
We’re excited to launch the first-ever ECA Startup Fellowship, designed to help Early Career Academics (ECAs) turn their research into successful startups!
In partnership with UNSW Engineering and TRaCE, this Fellowship offers:
?? Full-Time Salary: Focus fully on your startup. ?? Top-Tier Mentorship: Get guidance from industry leaders. ?? Exclusive Resources: Workshops, masterclasses, and more. ?? Innovative Community: Join a network of fellow innovators. ?? World-Class Facilities: Access labs, prototyping centers, and co-working spaces. ?? Funding Opportunities: Secure crucial funding.
?? Who Can Apply: Fixed-term postdocs from UNSW Engineering.
?? Apply by 1 September 2024.
?? Don’t miss the Info Session on Friday, 23 August, 12:30 PM at UNSW’s MCIC
Are you wondering if the New Wave Program is Right For You?
1. Watch the highlight reel from our latest cohort - Watch Now!
2. Join our information session to find out how this 4-week online program, sponsored by Westpac, can help you develop the confidence and skills needed to create a successful startup.?
During New Wave you'll learn proven methods to test, build, and launch a business from the ground up, gain access to quality mentors and professional networks, and join a supportive community of like-minded women. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch your idea for a chance to win over $15k in cash prizes. The next program runs from 16 Sep – 11 Oct 2024.
***We have 20 spaces reserved for Liverpool residents, who do not need to be UNSW affiliated. For more information, reach out to our LIP Program Manager, Shuoyan Zhu.?
Don't miss out on this transformative opportunity!
Got a Terribly Brilliant Idea? it's you LAST CHANCE to Unleash it at the Terrible Ideas Hackathon! ???????
Join us for 46 hours of glorious, unadulterated idea-slinging at the MCIC. We're talking robot tattoo artists, vegemite fudge, a merciful mirror, or anything else that comes to mind. Think of it as a celebration of glorious failure, where your imagination (or lack thereof ??) is the only limit. No abilities required. Bring your brilliant (terrible) brain, laptops, art supplies, tools—whatever madness your project requires! Sign up to unleash your inner creative genius and turn those terrible ideas into something spectacularly awful! ?????
Plus, Yochi is sweetening the deal with vouchers for our six winning teams. Is there a less terrible way to celebrate your yochi-evements than with some delicious froyo? ???
?UPCOMING EVENTS >>
Thursday, 22 Aug from 2:30 - 3:15pm | Online
Join us for an info session on how you can support the next generation of entrepreneurs. Whether as a participant, mentor, investor, or collaborator, this is your opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of students, researchers, and fellow alumni.
What to Expect:
- Learn how to get involved in our programs
- Hear inspiring UNSW startup success stories
- Network with like-minded alumni
- Explore ways to foster innovation and growth
- There will be a Q&A session to address any questions.
This online session, in collaboration with the UNSW Singapore Alumni Committee, will be presented by Priscilla Tan, Program Manager at UNSW Founders.?
Monday, 26 Aug from 4:00 - 6:30pm | MCIC
Join us for a problem discovery and ideation workshop designed for New Wave candidates and aspiring women entrepreneurs at UNSW. Whether you have an idea or not, this workshop will help you dive deeper into identifying and solving real problems.
Who Can Attend?
- Open to UNSW students, staff, and alumni who identify as women
- No skills required
- All disciplines welcome
领英推荐
This is also a great opportunity to meet fellow New Wave Program candidates and form potential teams.
Thursday, 29 Aug from 12 - 1:30pm | Online
Are you a startup or small business seeking financial backing to fuel your growth? Join our insightful webinar, where Grants Pro will guide you through the Dos and Don'ts of securing government grants.
Who Should Attend: Start-up founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners looking to leverage government grants.
What You'll Learn:
- Key Grants in Australia
- Insider tips on creating a compelling grant application.
- R&D and EMDG Benefits
- Key dates and deadlines for upcoming grant applications in 2024.
Grants Pro will also debunk myths surrounding the grant application process. There will be a Q&A session to answer any questions you may have.
This event is proudly supported by Investment NSW and the Liverpool Innovation Precinct.
Friday, 30 Aug from 5:30 - 9pm | MCIC
Mark your calendars for an epic networking event designed to foster collaboration and investment opportunities within the health tech ecosystem. In partnership with the Australian Medical Angels and The George Institute for Global Health, this event will offer investors the chance to discover the innovative health and medical solutions of tomorrow. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with dynamic and passionate health technology startups and make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare.
Thursday, 5 Sept from 4 - 6pm| MCIC
Our guest speaker for the September First Thursdays is Michael Withford, a visionary in micro-photonics and a leader in optical fiber innovation. As the co-founder of Modular Photonics, Michael has been instrumental in creating components that supercharge high-speed internet, securing him national and international recognition. He has contributed to great advancements with several patents and over 160 journal papers. His expertise in lodging patents can help researchers and future founders understand the importance of protecting intellectual property, providing insights into earning credibility and attracting investment, so make sure you grab your ticket.
Thursday, 5 Sept from 5 - 7pm |?50 Scott Street Liverpool
What does it take to thrive as a diverse woman entrepreneur? Find out at HerStory—an event dedicated to celebrating the success of women just like you. Hear powerful stories, gain expert insights, and connect with a community that understands your journey. Let’s break barriers and create opportunities together.?
This event is proudly supported by Liverpool Innovation Precinct
Tuesday, 10 Sep from 5pm - 8pm | Roundhouse, UNSW
Join us for the grand finale of the Peter Farrell Cup (PFC) 2024, where the brightest entrepreneurial minds from UNSW will compete for top honours. The event marks the culmination of months of hard work and innovation, as teams present their groundbreaking ideas in front of a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience. The PFC is UNSW’s flagship startup competition, designed to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, providing them with the skills, support, and network to bring their ideas to life.
Expect an evening filled with inspiring pitches, networking opportunities, and the celebration of UNSW’s entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you're a student, alum, industry professional, or startup enthusiast, this is your chance to witness the future of innovation and support the talented teams vying for the PFC title.
UPSKILL >>
We’ve got a huge lineup of O-Week workshops planned just for you! Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship, want to learn new skills, or just want to explore what's possible with UNSW Founders, there's something for everyone.
Don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities to kickstart your journey! JOIN A WORKSHOP
???Do you have an idea that you think could be a great side hustle??
Come enjoy a FREE coffee and a rapid coaching session with our ready & waiting UNSW Founders team. This is a drop-in session running every second Thursday of the month, but be sure to register so we can expect you! SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW
??Coach & Connect
Available for FREE to all UNSW staff, students and alumni with a bright idea for a new startup, or an already established business.
From developing an idea, building a business model, raising capital to merely exploring entrepreneurship, we’re here to help!?LEARN MORE
?? Whether it's learning to code, building a prototype, designing a new product or merely learning a new creative skill, our team at Makerspace & MCIC have something for you. We are always pulling together exciting workshops & short courses to help you learn and grow.
Add UNSW Founders to your LinkedIn Profile?
Check out our new Alumni section on our Linkedin page and update your profile's education section to join our network.
Community News>>
? Spark Festival is less than two weeks away! ?
With exciting events across Sydney, NSW, and online, whether you're a founder raising capital or seeking your next big idea, there's something for everyone.
Be sure to check out the Net Nada Spark Festival Sustainability Hub! Our 10x Accelerator alumni, Net Nada, are partnering with event hosts, venues, and attendees to measure the festival's environmental impact—including how YOU travel to each event!
Public Service Announcement: Tickets to the Opening and Closing Celebrations are almost gone! ?Get your tickets now ????♀?
If you’re a founder or part of an organisation supporting Australian startups, please complete the 2024 Startup Muster survey! We spend a lot of time advocating for increased funding for Australian startups, but the lack of data often hinders progress. You can help change this by taking part in the survey, which directly impacts how the ecosystem evolves and the funding it receives.
When completing the survey, be sure to select UNSW as your university affiliation and mention UNSW Founders wherever relevant to help showcase our support.
Your input matters—let’s shape the future of Australian startups together! COMPLETE THE SURVEY
?? The MVP Ventures Program is designed to?support startups and innovative SME’s?through the?product lifecycle between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities. It offers?grants of?$25,000 to $50,000?in co-contribution funding to drive the commercialisation of highly innovative and new products or processes. ?
Applications for round 2 close 28 Feb 2025. Find out more.
?? The Industry Growth Program is now open, with startups and innovative small and medium businesses able to apply for expert advice on their commercialisation and growth projects. The Industry Growth Program enables eligible SMEs to receive advice from industry experts, with a particular focus on the early stages when businesses often have difficulty turning innovative ideas into profitable products, processes and services. Once you have received this advice, you may choose to apply for:?
- Grants of 50,000 to $250,000 to support early-stage commercialisation projects.
- Grants of $100,000 to $5 million for commercialisation and growth projects.
Your tax-deductible donation supports Australia's?
next generation of entrepreneurs